What is a common side effect associated with oral steroids?

Oral steroids, such as corticosteroids, are known to cause various side effects due to their systemic effects on the body. One commonly recognized side effect is stunted growth, particularly in pediatric patients. When used for extended periods, oral steroids can interfere with the normal growth patterns in children and adolescents by affecting the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which plays a critical role in growth and development. This can lead to not only linear growth retardation but also delayed puberty in some cases.

Thus, stunted growth is a significant concern when prescribing oral steroids, especially in younger populations, making it essential for healthcare providers to monitor growth and assess the risks and benefits of steroid therapy in these patients. The other options, like cough and bronchospasm, are not direct effects of oral steroids, and while fungal infections can occur, they are more commonly associated with inhaled steroids rather than oral formulations.